Snakes

Snakes are carnivorous, elongated, limbless reptiles that belong to the Serpente suborder. Snakes are ectothermic, amniote animals with scales that overlap, just like all other squamates. Many snake species have more joints in their skulls than their lizard ancestors had, allowing them to swallow prey that is much larger than their heads (cranial kinesis).

Living snakes are found on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, and on the majority of smaller land masses. In addition, sea snakes can be found all over the Pacific and Indian oceans. Approximately thirty families, 520 genera, and 3,900 species are now recognized.

The majority of snake species lack venom, and those that have to tend to employ it to kill and subjugate prey rather than defend themselves. Some are capable of killing humans or inflicting serious injuries on them with their venom. Snakes that lack venom either choke their prey to death or devour it whole.

In general, snakes won't bite a hedgehog unless they're after it for food. Some species avoid hedgehogs since the predation occurs in the opposite direction, but there are still some that can be fatal to hedgehogs. Adult hedgehogs are generally safe, but there is little likelihood that a baby hedgehog would survive if it comes into contact with a snake. Hedgehogs are immune to snake venom, which is noteworthy, however, they are not protected against snake suffocation or swallowing techniques.